Consider the 450 lumens at the surface recommended for task lighting. Good light makes everything more enjoyable. LED cans are generally chosen to meet that need. Placed so you don't shade your work with your body. Pendants are accent and ambient lighting sources.

Photo of kitchen/ Island...unfinished

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so does it matter what others think? I remodeled one kitchen and built another and didn't place any pendants over the islands, but that is just my personal preference!

You need to show the space. Add a link to the light fixture too.

I see the photo now. How high are the ceilings in the kitchen and dining area?

You are really only going to see the light fixture from the end view, so I don't think you will get the dramatic look you see in your mind.

Have you seen it in person? I seems like one would be plenty, or two of the narrower model. Covering the entire island sounds a little hotely. Its funny I had the 6 light version of this over a dining table that was 30x60, we loved it. We removed the glass so it was just floating chrome candles.

I'm more into low maintenance than bling. Keeping that grease & dust-free will be a chore, even for your housekeeper!

This^^^^^^ That will be a dusting nightmare.

Just thinking about the amount of glare coming from all those clear bulbs is enough to give me a headache.